Very Charleston

Cobblestone streets leading to perfectly preserved historic homes. Intricate wrought-iron gates opening to lush, fragrant gardens. A skyline of steeples and a river harbor bustling with schooners and sailboats. Charleston is one of America's most charming cities. In vibrant watercolors and detailed sketches, artist Diana Gessler captures the beauty and riches that make Charleston so unique: White Point Gardens, the Spoleto Festival, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Fort Moultrie, the beaches of Sullivan's Island, sumptuous Lowcountry cuisine, and handmade sweetgrass baskets. Full of fascinating details--on everything from the art of early entertaining, the city's inspired architectural and garden designs, and George Washington's Southern tour to famous Charlestonians and the flags of Sumter--Very Charleston celebrates the city, the Lowcountry, the people, and our history. Hand-lettered and full color throughout, Very Charleston includes maps, an index, and a handy appendix of sites. With her cheerful illustrations and love for discovering little-known facts, Diana Gessler has created both an entertaining guide and an irresistible keepsake for visitors and Charlestonians alike.

Whether you're relaxing on a romantic beach, soaking up the rich history, or reveling in the Southern hospitality, dig into these fun-loving sister cities with Moon Charleston & Savannah. Explore the cities: Navigate by neighborhood or by activity with color-coded maps of both Charleston and Savannah See the sights: Browse the museums on Savannah's historic River Street, take a carriage ride through Charleston's French Quarter, or check out the wares at the Old City Market. Visit Civil War battlefields, check out the First African Baptist Church, and learn about the area's important African American history Get a taste of the South: Sample classic shrimp and grits, juicy barbecue, or seafood straight off the boat. Savor innovative cuisine at James Beard Award-winning restaurants, and discover up-and-coming spots focusing on local, sustainable ingredients Bars, entertainment, and nightlife: Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar, see what's on tap at a craft brewery, or mingle with the locals at a French Quarter dive. Catch a live gig from the next big indie band, sip swanky artisan cocktails, or indulge in Savannah's to-go cup tradition on a stroll through the Historic District Honest advice: Jim Morekis was born and raised in Savannah and shares his local insight into these beautiful cities Itineraries and day trips: Follow itineraries designed for families, beach lovers, history buffs, foodies, and more, and get outside the city with full chapters on Hilton Head and the Lowcountry and the Golden Isles Helpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling to Charleston and Savannah Full-color photos and detailed maps Handy tools: Background information on the area's landscape, history, and culture, tips on getting there and getting around, and advice for travelers with disabilities, families with children, seniors, and LGBTQ+ travelers With Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience the best of Charleston and Savannah. Hitting the road? Try Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip or Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Travel writer Jim Morekis shares the must-see sights and local secrets of Charleston, from the armaments at the Battery to the delights of the French Quarter. Morekis highlights historic destinations like the Nathaniel Russell and Heyward-Washington Houses while suggesting fun and delicious features of modern Charleston, like the gaslit charm of the Peninsula Grill. Including expert advice on kayaking the gorgeous waters around Hilton Head Island and dining on she-crab soup in Beaufort, Moon Charleston gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. This full-color guide includes vibrant photos and helpful maps.

Insiders' Guide to Charleston is the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information to this charming southern city. Written by locals (and true insiders), it offers a personal and practical perspective of Charleston and its surrounding environs. With over two-million books sold, Insiders’ Guides are the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information making them an indispensable guide for travelers and residents alike.

The slave-hire system of Charleston, South Carolina, in the 1700s and the 1800s produced a curious object—the slave badge. The badges were intended to legislate the practice of hiring a slave from one master to another, and slaves were required by law to wear them. Slave badges have become quite collectible and have excited both scholarly and popular interest in recent years. This work documents how the slave-hire system in Charleston came about, how it worked, who was in charge of it, and who enforced the laws regarding slave badges. Numerous badge makers are identified, and photographs of badges, with commentary on what the data stamped on them mean, are included. The authors located income and expense statements for Charleston from 1783 to 1865, and deduced how many slaves were hired out in the city every year from 1800 on. The work also discusses forgeries of slave badges, now quite common. There is a section of 20 color plates.

Savor the Flavors of Charleston & Savannah Charleston and Savannah. These two storied southern cities, just 110 miles apart, boast their own thriving culinary scenes and together encompass the heart of Lowcountry cuisine. In Food Lovers’ Guide to Charleston & Savannah, seasoned food writer Holly Herrick shares the inside scoop on the best places to find, enjoy, and celebrate these culinary treasures. She explores the best of both of these classic southern beauties and even a little in between. A bounty of mouthwatering delights awaits you. With delectable recipes from the renowned kitchens of iconic eateries, diners, and elegant dining rooms, Food Lovers’ Guide to Charleston & Savannah With delectable recipes from the renowned kitchens of iconic eateries, diners, and elegant dining rooms, Food Lovers’ Guide to Charleston & Savannah is the ultimate resource for food lovers Inside You'll Find: • Favorite restaurants and landmark eateries • Farmers’ markets and farm stands • Specialty food stores, markets and products • Food festivals and culinary events • Recipes from top Charleston and Savannah chefs • Cooking classes • The cities’ best cafes, taverns, and wine bars • Local food lore and kitchen wisdom

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

When Charleston’s founders moved their settlement across the Ashley River to the peninsula in 1680, they hoped for protection from pirate and Native American attacks, as well as increased trade and healthier living conditions. Their first three wishes came true, but not the final one. Life in colonial Charles Towne was dangerous—epidemic diseases, primitive medical practices, and a harsh environment led to the early demise of rich and poor alike. The graveyards of churches and public burial grounds quickly filled. Today, Charleston’s historic cemeteries are almost as common a sight downtown as the churches that define the city. These tree-shrouded glades invite tourists and residents to explore the resting places of Charleston’s most illustrious and interesting personalities. Charleston’s Historic Cemeteries offers a guided pictorial tour of the elaborate gravestones and elegant inscriptions dedicated to the famous and infamous, including William Rhett and his adversary, the pirate Stede Bonnet. With dozens of illustrated stories about the transformation of funerals, tombstones, and mourning customs in America during the past 300 years, the book details how Charleston became the home of a historically unique, city-wide gallery of mortuary sculpture.